Tsunami Advisory Cancelled for BVI After Major
A powerful, shallow earthquake struck near Venezuela’s Caribbean coast on the evening of June 24, prompting a tsunami advisory for the British Virgin Islands that was later lifted after reassessment by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC). New reports clarify the sequence and strength of the tremors — readings ranged from 7.1 to 7.5 magnitude with the USGS reporting a 7.5 — and Venezuelan authorities have reported significant casualties and damage on the mainland.
A powerful earthquake struck near the coast of Venezuela at about 6:05pm AST on Wednesday, June 24, prompting the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) to issue a tsunami advisory for the British Virgin Islands and neighbouring territories while regional agencies assessed any threat.
Initial magnitude estimates varied by agency in the first minutes after the quake. Early reports referenced readings of 7.1 and 7.2; the BBC said a 7.5-magnitude event followed a 7.2 tremor about 39 seconds later, and the USGS ultimately reported a 7.5 magnitude. VINO’s update confirmed that the first recorded event was 7.2 and that the larger 7.5 reading was reported minutes later.
All agencies agreed the tremors were shallow and struck close to Venezuela’s Caribbean coast. DDM issued an advisory shortly after the quake and said it was closely monitoring the situation and working with regional partners. American meteorologist Chris Nunley warned that hazardous waves and strong currents could begin around 7:19pm AST and urged people in affected areas to move out of the water, stay off beaches, avoid coastal areas, and not return to evacuated zones until given the all-clear.
While initial messaging urged caution, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) completed its review of all available data and by 7:12pm AST had cancelled the tsunami advisory. The PTWC told governments, media and the public that the earthquake had not generated a destructive tsunami and that no tsunami impacts were expected for Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands or the British Virgin Islands, according to BVI News.
VINO’s update likewise noted that the advisory was lifted after the PTWC determined no destructive tsunami had been generated. Despite the cancellation, DDM and local emergency services reminded residents that the advisory had been issued for a reason and urged people to stay prepared.
Practical steps recommended to BVI residents included moving inland or to higher ground away from shorelines and estuaries while the advisory was active, staying out of the water and off beaches, not launching or boarding small vessels, securing property only if it could be done safely, and tuning to official DDM channels, local radio and trusted news outlets for updates and the all-clear.
Venezuelan authorities reported significant impacts on the mainland. The BBC and BVI News cited at least 164 deaths and more than 900 injuries as rescue teams continued searching collapsed buildings around Caracas and the coastal city of La Guaira; VINO’s update reported that over a hundred people had died and close to one thousand were injured.
The tremors were also felt in neighbouring Colombia. DDM reminded residents that communications and utilities can be affected during seismic and tsunami events and encouraged checking on elderly relatives, neighbours and those with mobility challenges who may need assistance. Keep an emergency kit, flashlight, radio and a charged mobile phone ready.
BVI Live will continue to follow official advisories and report any changes affecting the Territory; if you are unsure about your risk, move to higher ground and remain there until authorities advise otherwise.
Primary source: VINO